UFC Saudi Arabia: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov continues on the prelims with a fight in the middleweight division between Shara Magomedov and promotional newcomer Antonio Trocoli. Magomedov is currently undefeated winning all 12 of his fights and was successful in his UFC debut with a unanimous decision victory meanwhile, Trocoli is stepping in on short notice in his UFC debut after multiple debut fights have fallen through. With that said, check out our UFC odds series for our Magomedov-Trocoli prediction and pick.

Shara Magomedov (12-0) had a lot of hype surrounding him coming into his UFC debut against Bruno Silva and underperformed despite getting the unanimous decision. In his second fight inside the Octagon, Magomedov will look to make up for his subpar performance when he welcomes newly signed Joilton Lutterbach this weekend in Saudi Arabia.

Antonio Trocoli (12-3) is finally making his long-awaited UFC debut after three failed fight attempts have fallen through. Trocoli was originally scheduled to face off against Ikram Aliskerov last weekend at UFC Vegas 93 until Aliskerov was rescheduled to fight Robert Whittaker this weekend after Khamzat Chimaev had to withdraw from the bout. Now, Trocoli will finally get to make the walk when he steps in on very short notice when he takes on Shara Magomedov this weekend in Saudi Arabia.

Here are the UFC Saudi Arabia Odds, courtesy of BetOnline. 

UFC Saudi Arabia Odds: Shara Magomedov-Antonio Trocoli Odds

Shara Magomedov: -700

Antonio Trocoli: +500

Over 1.5 rounds: +110

Under 1.5 rounds: -140

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Why Shara Magomedov Will Win

Shara Magomedov the undefeated Dagestani prospect was the talk of the UFC coming into his fight with Bruno Silva only to put on a lackluster performance losing a bit of his steam regardless that he won the fight. His striking was electric but his takedown was left to be desired. He hopes a big win over short-notice newcomer Antonio Trocoli can raise his stock when he steps inside the Octagon this weekend in Saud Arabia.

Magomedov is an electrifying kickboxer who throws everything with intention and has the speed and movement that makes him a tough fighter to get a read on. In this matchup against Trocoli, he gets a fighter who’s certainly different than Joilton Lutterbach who he was originally scheduled to face off against. Trocoli is a lot bigger standing in at 6’5″ and will be looking to mix things up on the feet and on the mat. However, in the feet Magomedov will have the clear speed and power advantages. Even with having the grappling advantage that Trocoli has, getting it there will be a tall ask against Magomedov. As long as Magomedov can avoid being put and kept on his back he should outstrike and potentially knockout Trocoli to remain unbeaten.

Why Antonio Trocoli Will Win

Antonio Trocoli finally gets to make the walk to the Octagon for the first time after three fights have fallen through. He was supposed to make the walk last weekend against Ikram Aliskerov until Aliskerov was rescheduled. Now, Trocoli will step in on day’s notice to take on surging unbeaten middleweight prospect Shar Magomedov this weekend at UFC Saudi Arabia.

Trocoli was looking to make his debut after securing his contract on the Contender Series but a failed drug test had him ultimately not get signed as he went back to the regional scene. After a quick submission victory back in 2021 the UFC gave him a second chance. In this matchup, Trocoli will cut to 185 lbs for the first time since 2017 when he takes on Magomedov on short notice and will be the much larger man in the Octagon sporting a 3″ height and 9″ reach advantage.

While Trocoli has some technical striking when he is on the feet, he likes to utilize his grappling to his advantage with 5 of his 12 wins coming by submission. It’s a tall task for Trocoli to make 185 on very short notice and come in there against one of the top prospects in the division however if he fights smart and uses his grappling he has the chance to score the monumental upset.

Final Shara Magomedov-Antonio Trocoli Prediction & Pick

This should be a fun scrap in the middleweight division between these two middleweights. Magomedov will be looking to make a statement this time around meanwhile, Trocolo will be looking to show the UFC fans that he’s an elite prospect just like his adversary. This should be a far harder matchup for Magomedov than when he was scheduled to face Joilton Lutterbach but it’s not one that he can’t overcome. Ultimately, Magomedov should have his way with Trocoli on the feet utilizing his speed and kicks to keep at distance and then when he gets in close he will land a thunderous shot that will eventually put Trocoli away inside two rounds.

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Final Shara Magomedov-Antonio Trocoli Prediction & Pick: Shara Magomedov (-700), Under 1.5 Rounds (-140)